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February 14, 2026Journal of Policy Practice and Research0 citationsOpen Access

“I’m Happy to be Happy for my Baby”: Perceptions of Rx Kids Prenatal and Infant Cash Prescriptions

MWMaya WolockCCCrystal L. CedernaMOMary Grace Ortega

Key Points

  • The aim is to explore perceptions of the Rx Kids cash transfer program among participants, focusing on its effects on families.
  • Conducted a voluntary survey with 533 participants, achieving a 53% response rate.
  • Collected 3,608 open-ended responses for thematic analysis.
  • Employed codebook thematic analysis to identify key themes.
  • Identified eight themes including financial stability, mental health, and community empowerment.
  • Participants expressed favorable attitudes towards the benefits of the Rx Kids program.
  • Findings indicate the potential effectiveness of cash transfers for improving maternal and community outcomes.

Abstract

Abstract To understand participants’ perceptions of Rx Kids, a first-in-the-nation, community-wide prenatal and infant cash transfer program. Open-ended responses to questions assessing 533 participants’ perceptions of Rx Kids were collected in a voluntary survey (53% response rate). In total, 3,608 responses were included in the analysis. Using codebook thematic analysis, researchers coded responses and generated themes. Researchers generated 8 themes: (1) financial stability and spending, (2) mental health and wellbeing, (3) empowerment, agency, & community, (4) parenting resources and perceptions, (5) families’ physical health, (6) gratitude, (7) program end, and (8) program extension and expansion. Findings demonstrate a variety of favorable benefits from Rx Kids participation. Policymakers should consider prenatal and infant cash transfers as an effective intervention to improve outcomes for mothers, families, and communities at large.

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Cite This Study

Wolock et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699011172ccff479cfe578d2https://doi.org/10.1007/s42972-026-00138-6
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